I work with high school boys and one of the clubs we’re running this summer is a book study. We’ve been diving into He Leadeth Me by Fr. Walter Ciszek, SJ. When we gather, we make sure everyone grasped the main storyline before diving into the multiple gems Fr. Walter shares in his writing.

Captured by the Russian army during World War II and convicted of being a “Vatican spy,” Fr.  Walter spent twenty-three agonizing years in Soviet prisons and the labor camps of Siberia. The book explores the numerous life lessons he learned along the way and how his faith was both tested and strengthened in some of the worst human conditions.

I’ve read this book before and remember being amazed at this priest’s amazing journey. Reading it a second time, I am still amazed, but what is truly inspiring is the effect the book is having on these high school students. For these boys, World War II was a long time ago– perhaps even ancient history. They can’t relate to labor camps or solitary confinement, but they can relate to the way the Lord works through struggles. The boys can see Fr. Walter’s main points and are applying these lessons and principles to their own life. They can discuss the need for God in all circumstances, and how his will can be found in the least expectant ways.

I’m blessed to do my job. It reminds me that no matter who you are, or what your life circumstances are, the Lord is communicating his will to each of us. He has a plan for everyone. He knows our hardships and he has an opinion about them all. May we always be open to his plans and may he always lead us!

. . .

Wisdom from the Saints:

“And the greatest grace God can give such a man is to send him a trial he cannot bear with his own powers—and then sustain him with his grace so he may endure to the end and be saved.”

//Servant of God Fr. Walter Cziek

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Scripture Quote:

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want;
he makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.”

–Psalm 23:1-3 RSVCE